Advent 3rd Sunday

Waiting… with a happy smile.

During the Advent journey, it is essential for Christians today to place all their attention and concentration on the word of God for several reasons:

– Isaiah It clearly states that the Lord comes to save. This is a reason for joy and jubilation, for strength in weakness, for strengthening the frail. And to those who live in indecision, it challenges them: “Be courageous, do not be afraid” (Isaiah 35:4). The poor blind, the lame, the deaf, and the mute will see themselves renewed and transformed to see, walk, hear, and speak, in such a way that happiness will illuminate their faces.

– James It extols the virtue of "patience" in waiting for the Lord's coming. This virtue is a consequence of fortitude of heart.

– John the Baptist He is recognized by Jesus as the one sent to prepare the way for the Lord. Aware of his mission, John makes his own life a testimony to the truth: because of his words he is imprisoned by Herod. To be certain of his mission, he sends disciples to ask Jesus: “Are you the one who is to come?” (Mt 11:3). The answer he receives asks them to clearly see the signs that the Son of God is already among the people.

The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday, inviting Christians to live in the true happiness that results from having Jesus as the "cornerstone" of life. Furthermore, the conditions are in place for a salvific transformation of each person and of the world. Those who identify Jesus living in their own lives live in joy and radiate His light into the world.

Have you experienced the joy of patiently waiting for the birth of Jesus during this Advent season?

(Fr. Luís Filipe)